su.nottingham.ac.uk su.nottingham.ac.uk
Hello
and welcome...
to the University of Nottingham Students’ Union. We’re one of the most active Students’ Unions in the country so we hope you’re excited about joining in!
I’m Rob, your Students’ Union President for 2009/10. I help to run the Students’ Union along with the rest of the Executive (or the Exec as we’re usually known). We’re a group of nine students, voted in by you, the members, to provide you with representation, support, development opportunities and activities during your time at Nottingham. We’ll have a stall at Freshers’ Fair from 22nd-24th September (you can find out more about this on p. 6), so please come along and say hi. When you register with the University at the beginning of term you’ll automatically become a member of the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union is made up of you, the members, and you can determine how the organisation develops. This could mean voting in elections, joining a Committee or representing your fellow students as a Course Rep with the Education Network (find out more about this on p. 13) … the list goes on! We know that starting university is a big step, especially if you’re leaving home for the first time, so this booklet is full of information about what to expect when you arrive and how the Students’ Union’s services can help you to settle in. We’ll also tell you about Week One, the best freshers’ week in the country (well, we think so anyway!), which will be packed with fun activities and events to help you find your feet and make new friends. Read on to find out about what the Students’ Union does and how you can get involved. There are Networks, Associations, sports clubs, societies, media, volunteering, welfare and more, so there are countless ways for you to join in. In the mean time, enjoy the rest of your summer and make sure you check out our website, www.su.nottingham.ac.uk. We can’t wait to meet you when term starts!
su.nottingham.ac.uk
Rob Greenhalgh President University of Nottingham Students’ Union 2009/10
Look out for the extra information we’ll be giving out when term e starts. Your Week On ing nd ha Reps will be out booklets with s details of their activitie and events and, if be you’re in halls, you’ll re mo th given packs wi information about Nottingham and the Students’ Union when you move in.
ne Rep s Yo u r Wee k O tick e ts to c a n se ll yo u e n ts . Wee k O ne e v t yo u r Be su re to ge b e c ause tick e ts e a r ly fa st ! th e y se ll o u t
Week One
Week One is a celebration of your first few days at university and we like to make a song and dance about it! We’ve got a whole week of day-time activities and night-time events planned to help you have fun, meet new friends and make your first week at Nottingham one to remember.
Week One Reps
When you arrive at the University you’ll be assigned your very own Week One Reps who will be your guides throughout the week, taking you to events, showing you around campus and generally making sure that you have a great time. All Week One Reps are second years and were in exactly the same position as you just 12 months ago. Don’t be afraid to ask them any questions (however silly they might seem) – they know what it’s like to be new too. You’ll be given a Week One wristband by your Reps on your first day which gives you access to Week One events and allows you to buy tickets. Make sure you hang onto your wristband - it’s your key to the whole week! You’ll also receive a Week One booklet with full timetables of all the events and activities so you know where you’re going and what you’re doing.
Fancy Dress
Week One always me ans lots of fancy dress (w e don’t want you to tak e yourself too seriously , after all). There’ll be a list of fancy dress theme s on www.weekone.c o.uk so you can sort out yo ur costumes before yo u arrive. Not the organ ised type? There’ll be a fan cy dress sale running for the whole week (ask your Reps for details) with outfits suitable for all the events available at student prices.
If you’re going to be living in halls, you’ll meet your Week One Reps when you move in. Don’t worry if you’re not going to be in halls – you’ll be able to meet your Week One Reps at Freshers’ Fair from 22nd-24th September. If you’re an international student you’ll meet your Week One Reps during Welcome Week, the week before.
www.weekone.co.uk
The timetable of Week One events will go online in mid-September so you can find out in advance about everything we’ve got planned. There’ll be all sorts of other information for your first week too, so make sure you check it regularly before and after you arrive.
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Your first day
Starting university might seem daunting, especially if it means moving to a new city or even a new country. It’s nice to know what to expect when you arrive, so here are some of the main things to look out for.
In halls
When you arrive in halls you’ll be given your room key and, depending on when you arrive, there should be some time to unpack and to get to know your neighbours before a welcome from your Hall Warden or Manager. Your Week One Reps (find out more about Week One on p. 3) and JCR Committee will be around all day too, so if you’re not sure where to go, just ask. In the evening you’ll have the chance to meet your Week One Reps and JCR Committee (probably in your hall bar) so you can relax, get to know your new hall mates and find out about what’s in store for you over the next few days.
Freshers’ Address
Your official welcome from the University and the Students’ Union. This is the start of your life as a student at Nottingham so don’t forget to go! Your Week One Reps will tell you where and when you need to meet.
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk
If you’re in halls, there’ll be a computer point in your room, so if you’ve brought a computer with you, now’s the time to set it up. If you have any problems with this you can call the IT Helpline on 0115 951 3396 (13396 internal). If you haven’t already, make sure you set up your Students’ Union website account too (find out more about this on p. 5).
su.nottingham.ac.uk
Your first week We know you’ll be busy during your first week at Nottingham so here are some important things to remember.
22nd-24th September A visit to Freshers’ Fair is a must. This is where you’ll find out more about everything the Students’ Union has to offer including societies, sports clubs, student-run services (like the radio station and theatre), volunteering, representation and much more. You can find out more about Freshers’ Fair and the Students’ Union’s activities on p. 6-7.
University registration
You’ll need to register with the University online, at my.nottingham.ac.uk, and (if you’re a full-time student) in person, at the University. More details about how to register will be in the Welcome Guide that you should have received from the University over the summer.
Health Centre registration
Let’s face it, you might get ill at some point over the next few years so it’s a good idea to register with a GP. Most students will be able to register at the Cripps Health Centre on University Park which will be holding registration sessions throughout the week. The time and date when you should register will depend on your course. Your School will provide more details or you can ask your Week One Reps.
Sports Centre registration
There are sports facilities at University Park, Jubilee and Sutton Bonington campuses. You can find out more about membership at www.nottingham.ac.uk/sport.
Hopper buses
The University runs a free hopper bus service that connects University Park, Jubilee, King’s Meadow and Sutton Bonington campuses. You can pick up timetables from the Students’ Union Reception in the Portland Building or you can view them on the University’s website, www.nottingham.ac.uk.
Local buses
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su.nottingham.ac.uk
S t u d e n t s ’ U n io n a c t iv it ie s 22nd-24th September, 10am - 4pm Nightingale Field, University Park Freshers’ Fair is THE place to find out about everything the Students’ Union has to offer. You can join sports clubs and societies and there’ll be plenty of freebies to pick up too including FREE PIZZA from Dominos. Make sure you complete your registration with the University before you arrive (there’s more about this on p. 5). You’ll need your student ID number to join the societies and sports clubs. You can pay for all your memberships by card at the Freshers’ Fair tills so there’s no need to lug around a pocketfull of change.
Here are some of the things you’ll be able to find out more about at Freshers’ Fair…
Democracy and Representation
The Students’ Union’s primary function is to represent YOU to the University and to external bodies. The aim is to make sure that every single one of our members gets the most out of their time at university, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or anything else. The Students’ Union is run by you, the students, and there are lots of ways for you to get involved and to have a say in the way the Union operates. You could stand to be on your JCR Committee (find out more about this on p. 11), run in the Exec elections in the spring, become a Course Rep (more about this on p. 13) or submit a motion to Union Council (the highest decision-making body in the Union). Come and visit us at the Students’ Union stall at Freshers’ Fair or visit www.su.nottingham.ac.uk to find out more.
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You can join any of the Students’ U nion’s socie ties and sports clubs onlin e at w w w.s u.notting
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am.ac.uk so if you ca n’t make it to Freshers’ F air, or you d e cide that you w ant to join la te r in the year, yo u won’t mis s out.
Sports
The Students’ Union’s Athletic Union runs 77 sports clubs that cater for all abilities, so whether you play for your country or you’re a complete novice, there’ll be a club for you. Nottingham came seventh in the national BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sports) league last year and some former Athletic Union members have gone on to represent their country and even have won the odd Olympic medal. The Athletic Union also runs one of the biggest intra-mural sports leagues in the country (with over 220 teams) for those of you who want to regularly play netball, hockey, tennis, basketball, football or rugby with your hall, society or course mates. If you already live in Nottingham or if you’re going to arrive before term starts, you might be interested in some of our pre-season sports events. Check out the full list at www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/activities2/sports.
Societies
There are almost 200 societies affiliated with the Students’ Union giving you the chance to develop an existing hobby, try something completely new or socialise with people from your course. There’s a huge range on offer (Dance, Amnesty, MassageSoc and Juggle to name but a few), so there’s bound to be something that will catch your interest. In the unlikely event that you can’t find what you want, we’ll help you to start a society of your very own.
Student-run services
The Students’ Union boasts eleven unique student-run services. You can do some really interesting things like writing for our student magazine, treading the boards with the theatre, producing your own radio or TV show and helping to run our student summer festival. All the student-run services will have stalls at Freshers’ Fair so pay them a visit to find out more.
Volunteering
The Students’ Union’s Student Volunteer Centre is THE place to find out about all the voluntary opportunities available within the Students’ Union or in the community with one day projects or ongoing schemes. Whether you’d like to help out in the local community, run your own project or get involved with the Students’ Union, friendly advisors can match your skills and interests with the opportunities available. From helping refugees for an hour a week to setting up award-winning charities in Africa, it’s amazing what you can do with your spare time. Visit www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/ volunteering for more information.
Taster sessions
Some of our socie ties will be running free taster sessions thro ughout Week One allowing you to ‘tr y out’ a society befo re deciding to join. Po p by the Societies Exec stall at Freshers’ Fa ir to find out more. d out more You can fin ts’ Union en about Stud ll lists cluding fu in activities, s, b lu c Union of Athletic ring e te n nd volu a s e ti ie c so ies, at opportunit c.uk/ ttingham.a o .n u .s w w w . activities2
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Commercial services
The Students’ Union runs a number of commercial services like shops, bars and events. All the profits are channelled right back into the Union to fund societies, sports clubs, welfare, representation and all the other things we do to make your student life better.
Entertainment Mooch
Mooch is your Students’ Union bar serving good food from 10.30am-9.00pm and reasonably priced drinks from 10.30ammidnight. There are speciality hot chocolates and traditional coffees and there’s free Wi-Fi too. Watching the pennies? Look out for the Skint? drinks and food promotions – great value meals start from just £2.49.
The Den
The Den is the Students’ Union’s newly refurbished club. It’s open six nights a week and events range from live DJs to stand-up comedy. During the day The Den serves food and, with four TVs and a big screen, it’s a great place to watch sport. Check out www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/goingout for details of forthcoming events.
Students’ Union events
The Students’ Union runs a number of regular nights out at some of the biggest clubs in Nottingham. There are also one-off events throughout the year like speed dating, live music and the legendary Summer Party. You can get an up-to-date list of events at www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/goingout or join the Facebook group: Ents.
Box Office
The Students’ Union runs a Box Office at the Reception in the Portland Building. You can get tickets for Students’ Union events and for other entertainment in Nottingham like the Theatre Royal and the Nottingham Playhouse. There’s a list of available tickets at www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/goingout/boxoffice.
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mercia l Th ere are some com la nd se rv ice s in th e Po rt y Pa rk Bu ilding at Un iversit th e th at aren’t ru n by clu ding St uden ts’ Un ion in s, cafés t wo ba nk s, a Bo ot ok sh op. an d a Bl ac kwell bo
Shops
The Students’ Union runs shops in the Portland Building at University Park, at Jubilee campus and in the Medical School. You can pick up all the essentials like sandwiches and stationery and they do discounted newspapers too. Look out for the regular, great value promotional offers and don’t forget to take advantage of the ever-popular meal deal (which includes light options if you’re watching your waistline).
Print Shop
If you need a poster, flyers or a project printed, the Print Shop (tucked away at the bottom of the Portland Building) is the place to go. The friendly staff offer a huge range of services and if they can’t do a job for you themselves, they’ll help you to find a company that can. You can view the price list at www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/services/printshop.
N U S E x tr a
lusive discounts on The NUS Extra card gives you exc el, eating out, music trav rs, pute clothes, books, gigs, com ts just £10 per year and … the list goes on! The card cos k into your Students’ bac 40% of the cost goes straight ey to spend on mon e mor e’s ther Union meaning ia, volunteering, med societies, sports clubs, student e. mor welfare, events, and .nusextra.co.uk and Apply for the card online at www upgrade it to an ISIC you’ll also have the chance to gnised student card. reco lly iona card – the only internat the Students’ Union Alternatively, you can apply at ing. Build Reception in the Portland
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www.su.nottingham.ac.uk
Check out the Students’ Union website for the latest news and events, details of all the societies and sports clubs and much more. You can even listen to the student-run radio station, URN, online. Once you’ve registered online with the University via the Portal (my.nottingham.ac.uk) you can activate your Students’ Union website account and set up your personal profile. You’ll need to have your student ID number ready (you’ll get this once you register on the Portal) and click on ‘Create new account’ at the right-hand side of the homepage (under the login section). When your account is activated, you can keep up-to-date with your society and sports club memberships, have a say in our regular polls, comment on news stories and buy tickets for Union events. If you miss Freshers’ Fair you can pay for your sports club and society memberships online too. Have a browse through the website now to find out more about everything the Students’ Union has to offer.
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/marketplace Buy and sell on the Students’ Union’s online Marketplace. You can pick up pretty much anything, from furniture to computer equipment, and it’s a handy way to make some extra cash from your unwanted bits and pieces. It’s a great place to get cheap, second-hand text books for your course too.
www.weekone.co.uk Be the first to hear about Week One activities and find out all the essential information, like fancy dress themes, before you arrive at the University. There’s lots of information to help you get settled into life at Nottingham too, so why not have a look now?
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Fo llo w us on Face bo ok Jo in ou r Face bo ok grou p, Un iversi ty of No tt ingh am St uden ts’ Un io n, an d be th e first to he ar ab ou t ou r ne ws an d even ts . Yo u ca n ge t in to uch w it h ot he r ne w st uden ts to o.
J C Rs
If you’re going to be living in halls when you start at the University you’ll be represented by a JCR (Junior Common Room) Committee. Each JCR Committee is part of the Students’ Union and is made up of students who live in the hall and who are voted in by their fellow residents. The Committees organise events and activities, offer welfare support and represent residents to the University and to the Students’ Union.
Your JCR Committee All JCR Committees include the following positions: President Vice President Treasurer Social Secretaries x 2 Sports Secretaries x 2 Welfare Reps x 2 (one male, one female) (one male, one female) Some halls have additional positions, depending on the needs of the residents. If you already know which hall you’re going to be living in you can find out more about your JCR Committee at www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/whereilive.
How to contact your JCR
Your JCR Committee will live in the same hall as you. You’ll see them around over the first few days and they’ll be more than happy to have a chat and answer any of your questions. Alternatively, ask at your hall’s Reception if you’d like to speak to any of your JCR Committee members and they’ll point you in the right direction.
JCR elections
Nominations 5th-16th October 2009 Voting 22nd-23rd October 2009 Nominations for the JCR elections open on Monday 5th October and run until Friday 16th October. Any student living in halls is eligible to stand for a position so why not have a go? It’s a great opportunity to get involved with the Students’ Union early on and it looks good on your CV too. Don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before. If you’re voted in you’ll have access to all the training and support you need to do a great job. Don’t want to run for a position? Make sure you vote in your JCR elections from 22nd-23rd October. More information about the elections will be circulated after Week One.
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A d vi ce & su p p or t Student Advice & Representation Centre (SARC) The Advisors in the Students’ Union’s Student Advice & Representation Centre (SARC) can offer advice on a huge range of issues including:
· Education · Housing · International
· Money · Consumer · Legal
in k ing? No t in t opderople decide
Plenty of ey k when th your ’s not to drin It . y it rs e univ come to feel ’t n o d so choice, ging into chan pressured t n a w d. We n, no your min to have fu everyone ir e th t ha matter w e run ces, so w preferen e re -f ze o o b plenty of ek One e W g durin rest of activities e th ughout and thro the year.
Find out more about SARC at: www.su.nottingham.ac.uk/advicesupport. Alternatively, you can contact SARC on 0115 846 8730 or student-advice-centre@nottingham.ac.uk.
Welfare Network
The Welfare Network, which is led by your Equal Opportunities & Welfare Officer, Daniel Downes, runs campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness of issues like sexual health, mental health and money matters. If you’d like to find out more about the Welfare Network or want to get involved with one of the campaigns, please email suwelfare@nottingham.ac.uk. Here are some Welfare campaigns to look out for during the year: · Skint? – short on cash? Big on options! · Exam Stress – hints and tips to help you beat the panic and get the most out of your exams · Healthy Living – fun ways to eat better and exercise more · Mental Health – encouraging you to look after your mind as well as your body.
The first Welfare campaign of term will be Easy Tiger which highlights issues like sexual health, alcohol abuse and drink spiking. Look out for Easy Tiger and his helpers during Week One. They’ll be in bars and clubs making sure that whatever you get up to, you do it safely.
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gt on S ut to n B ongin to be
If you’re goin Bonington based at Sutton very own ur you’ll have yo anch – br n io Un Students’ remember, the Guild. And e hopper you’re only a fre m all the fro ay bus ride aw Park. fun at University
Nightline
0115 951 4985 (14985 internal)
nightlineanon@sumail.nottingham.ac.uk Nightline is a student-run, confidential listening and information service. The friendly volunteers can lend an ear if you have something on your mind or give out practical information like taxi numbers and cinema times. Lines are open 7pm-8am every night during term and if you’d rather not call, you can email completely anonymously (the person who picks up your message won’t even be able to see your email address) at the address above.
B-eat
B-eat is a self-help group for people with eating disorders. They run regular, confidential group sessions where you can share your experiences and discuss the issues you’re facing in a friendly and supportive setting. For more information, email subeat@nottingham.ac.uk.
Education Network
The Education Network is there to represent you on all matters relating to your course. The Network is led by your Education Officer, Roxy Shamsolmaali, but if you have a problem with your course, your Course Rep will usually be your first stop. Course Reps will be voted in towards the beginning of the autumn term. If you’d like to run as a Course Rep and help to support your fellow students, email sucoursereps@nottingham.ac.uk for more information. If you have a problem with your course before the Course Rep elections at the beginning of term, please contact Roxy on 0115 846 8772 or email sueducation@nottingham.ac.uk.
Healthcare students
If you’re due to start a Healthcare course in September it’s likely that you won’t be based at University Park (you may not even be based at Nottingham)! If you’re studying at somewhere like Boston, Derby, Lincoln or Mansfield you may feel a little remote from the Students’ Union but all the facilities and services listed in this booklet are just as relevant to you (no matter where you’re located).
To help you make the most of the Students’ Union we even have a dedicated website for healthcare students, www.campusconnection.co.uk. We also have a full-time member of staff (our Intersite Support Worker) who makes regular visits to all of the University’s Healthcare sites across the region. You can contact the Intersite Support Worker on 0115 846 8735 or suintersiteworker@nottingham.ac.uk.
Student parents
University life can be challenging enough on its own so if you’re juggling your studies with bringing up children, you really have got your hands full! The Students’ Union is there to offer support and guidance should you need it and there’ll be plenty of opportunities throughout your time at the University to socialise with other student parents. We’re here to help, so make the most of us! The PGSA (Postgraduate Students’ Association) runs regular, family-friendly events which are open to undergraduate students too. Keep checking their website, www.pgsa.org.uk, or join the Facebook group, PGSA Postgraduate Students’ Association, to find out more. Alternatively, you can join the student parents’ mailing list by emailing supgofficer@nottingham.ac.uk to be sent regular updates. To kick things off, here are some familyfriendly events that will take place during Week One: · · ·
Family meet and greet Friday 25th September, 3-5pm, Graduate School Family film night Friday 25th September, 5.30-8pm, Savoy Cinema (film tbc). Tickets cost just £2 and are available from the Students’ Union Reception in the Portland Building Family day out at Attenborough Nature Reserve Saturday 26th September, 10am-4pm. Tickets are £3. Wear warm clothes and bring a picnic.
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T h in gs to B ri n g Don’t forget these essentials if you’re going to be moving into halls in September… · Some posters and photos will brighten up bare walls and help to make your new room feel like home · Tea bags and biscuits. What better way to win over your new neighbours than brewing them a nice cuppa? · Fancy dress. There’ll be themed parties and club nights aplenty. Check out www.weekone.co.uk for a list of fancy dress themes for Week One · If you bring your own TV, don’t forget to buy a licence or you could be hit with a hefty fine · An extension cord. For some reason there never seem to be enough sockets! · If you’re going to be living in self-catered halls don’t forget to bring kitchen utensils, cutlery and crockery. If you’ll be be living in catered halls, check your hall’s website to see if there’s anything kitchen-related that you need to bring · Your own bedding. You can use hall sheets if you like but having your own is much more homely · There are internet points in every hall room so don’t forget to bring your computer if you have one · A stereo and plenty of CDs… · …and because you can’t go out every night, some good DVDs too!
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F r e s h e r s ’ h it li s t
There are a few things you need to do before you can get stuck into student life. Use the checklist below to make sure you don’t miss anything out.
1 University registration
You won’t get very far without it! You need to register online at my.nottingham.ac.uk and (if you’re a full-time student) in person.
2 Activate your Students’ Union website account
For the latest news, polls, events and information about everything the Students’ Union has to offer. Find out more on p. 10.
3 Visit Freshers’ Fair
THE introduction to your Students’ Union. Join societies and sports clubs, find out about all the activities on offer and pick up a load of freebies. Find out more on p. 6.
4 Join the Sports Centre
There are sports facilities at University Park, Jubilee and Sutton Bonington campuses.
5 Register with a local GP
Sooner or later you’re bound to need patching up so make sure you register with a local GP. The University of Nottingham Health Service runs the Cripps Health Centre at University Park and there’s a dental practice there too.
6 Go to Freshers’ Address 7 School induction talk 8 Vote in the JCR elections
Get your first intro to your Students’ Union Exec Officers at this big welcome talk.
This will introduce you to the finer details of your course – don’t miss it!
Or why not run for a position on the Committee? Find out more on p. 11.
Notes:
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FSC
This booklet is available in large print, Braille, tape, electronic and disk versions. Please contact the Communications Coordinator on 0115 846 8726. su.nottingham.ac.uk
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